Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/173

Rh

[Closes the outside door, then seats himself on the bed beside her]

Don’t grieve ’bout him, Jude. He wusn’t born fer glory, neither. You ought to build your hopes on a firmer foundation. They’s still treasure in heaven if you’ll seek it the right way.

[Half sobbing]

That’s what I’m a-tryin’ to do, Rufe! But all my faith—everything—seems gone now!

[Moving closer, gradually]

That’s a good sign. The darkest hour o’ the sperit is allus jist afore dawn. Think, Jude, what a friend we have in Him! Oh, what peace we often forfeit—oh, what needless pain we bear—all because we do not carry everything to Him in prayer!

I want to carry it to Him, but I cain’t! Seems like I’m froze up inside!

[Working himself into an emotional singsong again]

I know what’s the matter ’ith you, Jude, you ain’t